Well, friends, the made-for-TV holiday movie season is winding down and and I'm not quite ready to face reality. Let’s hide out for a little longer with these delightfully distracting updates:
Our Holiday Hunks showdown has reached its pinnacle with two former NFL players battling it out for the crown.
In wholesome content, someone proposed using a Bonne Maman advent calendar!
This TikToker is doing a 12 days of Christmas series about their alternative Christmas movie takes. We're talking less "meet-cute at the Christmas tree farm" and more "hidden desires at the Eyes Wide Shut Christmas party."
Then check out my mini reviews of Hallmark’s Hanukkah on the Rocks and The Santa Class. Because we're not done with the holiday magic until we say we're done!
James’ review of Netflix’s Carry-On:
Taron Egerton stars in this LAX-on-Christmas Eve not-quite-a-heist thriller. You can feel the stress of holiday travel as the action moves around the airport. This is only a holiday movie in the way that Die Hard is, but it’s still a solid thriller on its own. Taron even throws in some Tom Cruise-level running as he chases Jason Bateman’s evil villain.
What to Watch This Week
While it's a quieter weekend for new releases, don't miss out on the treasure trove of Hallmark favorites streaming on Netflix through December 31st. And if you're looking for this year's must-watch recommendations, check out my mini reviews. (Yes, I really watched 19 of these this year.)
Saturday, Dec. 21
Happy Howlidays (Hallmark) - Starring the winner of Finding Mr. Christmas: When a perfectionist Seattle Tourism editor finds a stray dog during her lonely holiday season, she strikes a deal with a charming shelter owner to care for his ailing pup in exchange for discovering Seattle's hidden treasures—leading them both to find the greatest gift isn't on any tourist map.
A Carpenter Christmas Romance (Lifetime)
When a bestselling romance novelist hits writer’s block, she escapes to her grandmother's farmhouse, where her high school crush—now a rugged restoration expert—helps her rebuild both the town's Christmas spirit and her heart.
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Festively Frivolous Treat Review
Let's dive into some seasonal offerings that caught my eye this week.
Trader Joe's Spiced Cranberry Granola is a versatile granola elevated by warm holiday spices. The cinnamon and nutmeg make it feel festive without overwhelming your morning routine. Their Egg Nog Greek Yogurt was fun to try, if a little sweet for yogurt. I’d probably make it a once-a-season novelty.
Skip the Poppi Cranberry Fizz Prebiotic Soda - the berry flavor tasted very artificial to me. I’d rather have a seltzer!
See you on Christmas Eve for our Holiday Hunks announcement!